News Briefs

6/14/2013, Tammuz 6, 5773

Jordanian Parliament Passes 'Abu-Qatada' Treaty

The Jordanian parliament passed, this week, legislation intended to pave the way for the return of radical Salafi Islamist Abu-Qatada Al-Filistini from England where he has been detained for terrorist links, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation. The treaty is awaiting the royal decree of King Abdullah II. The treaty is scheduled to become law in Britain next Friday, unless there is an unexpected request for a vote or debate.

Jordan sentenced Abu-Qatada in absentia to life at hard labor and an additional 15 years in prison in 1999 and 2000 for conspiracy to carry out terror attacks against tourists in Jordan. He has fought extradition arguing he would face inhumane treatment and could not get a fair trial. Under terms of the treaty, he now expects a fair trial and could be deported from Britain in a matter of weeks.